Aug 292012
 
2010 Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA $22 (S) – Rating 89

100% Chardonnay fermented in both stainless steel and predominately neutral oak. A lovely nose of pear and citrus gives way to soft flavors of apple, citrus and baking spice with notes of pear, vanilla and toasty pie crust. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a roundness to the mouth-feel while maintaining balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2010 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, CA  $35 (S) – Rating 90

A rather ripe Pinot offering a nose of rich dark fruit and black cherry with hints of saddle leather and tobacco box. Give this wine a little decanter time. Once open, flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, espresso and forest floor are integrated with notes of earthiness, bright acidity and supple tannins. Buy This Wine

Aug 142012
 
2009 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 93

A superb example of Napa Valley Chardonnay with a nose reminiscent of mom’s apple pie, complete with buttered crust and spice. The creamy mouth-feel is balanced with just enough zippy acidity. Flavors of apple, pear, spice, minerality and buttered toast are wonderfully integrated with French oak into a delicious Chardonnay treat. Buy this wine.

Aug 092012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Crow Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel, Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, CA, $37 (S) – Rating 92

A delicious go-big or go-home Zinfandel. A rich nose of ripe plum, pepper with smokey notes. Palate pleasing Zinfandel flavors of black fruit, blackberries, ripe raspberries and dark cherries enhanced with black pepper spice and hints of toasted oak vanilla. Very well integrated and supple tannins add complexity. Buy This Wine

Aug 092012
 
2007 August Ridge Vineyards Jovial, Estate Grown, Paso Robles, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 89

A big Super-Tuscan blend of 64% Sangiovese, 16% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of dark berries, black cherry, tobacco box and a hint of campfire smoke. The palate flavors remind me of black cherry pie with plenty of dark spice combined with rustic notes of cinnamon, saddle leather and smoke. Plenty of acidity to pair with flavorful red meat or game dishes.